Nose-pieces for isobaric liquid-drawers



Aug. 4, 1964 R. J. DENls NOSE-PIECES FOR xsosmc LIQUID-DRAWERS 4 Sheets-s l 3 i 5 NW A118. 4, 1964 R; 1.. J. DENIS 3,143,151

NOSE-PIECES FOR ISOBARIC LIQUID-DRAWERS Filed June 7. 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 1954 R. L. J. DENIS NOSE-PIECES FOR ISOBARIC LIQUID-DRAWERS Filed June 7. 1960 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 9 1% m 30$ m M k x y, a M w y United States Patent 3,143,151 NGSE-PIECES FOR ISOBARIC LIQUID-DRAWERS Roger Louis Eoseph Denis, Paris, France, assignor to Etahlissernents Chelle, Alfortville, France Filed June 7, 196:), Ser. No. 34,488 Claims priority, application France June 9, 1959 13 Claims. (Cl. 14132) The invention relates to improvements in nose pieces for isobaric liquid drawers.

Numerous designs exist of isobaric liquid-drawer nosepieces consisting of an axial tube nozzle whose purpose is to transmit the gas pressure from the bell of a liquiddrawer to the bottle to be filled. This tube which alone enetrates into the neck of the bottle, provides a passageway from the gaseous atmosphere contained in the bottle being filled to that in the feed-tank.

In these machines the flow of liquid is effected peripherally relative to the central tube and is performed by means of nozzles well-known per se along the walls of the bottle until the liquid level obturates the evacuation ports of the gas nozzle.

When the liquid obturates the ports of the gas nozzle, the flow of liquid is suddenly checked due to obturation of said nozzle acting as an air exhausting tube. In that case, in order that the volume of the air chamber formed between the liquid level in the bottle and the liquid inlet valve shall remain constant, it is necessary to provide an equalizer grid beneath the liquid valve, which may have remained open, in order to induce a surface tension dependent upon the viscosity of the liquid drawn oif such that the volume of gas trapped beneath the liquid in the drawers and above that in the bottle shall not pass through the streams of liquid and thus permit the flow of a further quantity of liquid into the bottle.

Numerous arrangements have hitherto been resorted to with a view to achieving this result, and these have generally consisted of metal grids or perforated plates or even suitably cut rubber diaphragms. The drawback of all of the known systems is that their effectiveness as regards stabilization of the liquid, when filling is complete, is detrimental to the filling speed during the phase when the liquid flows into the bottle, due to the fact that during the flow of the liquid these systems bring about losses of charge or may lead to clogging if pulpy liquids are used, or even to the possibility of de-saturation by a throttling eifect in the case of a liquid which is strongly saturated with carbon dioxide. This in turn leads to a significantly diminished efiiciency of the machines for bottle-filling purposes.

With a view to markedly increasing the efficiency of isobaric liquid-drawers in the filling of bottles, this invention has for its object a nose-piece for isobaric liquid-drawers comprising, adjacent to the liquid valve of this nose-piece, a rigid gas and liquid retaining member which is cleared by the liquid itself, as soon as the latter tends to be displaced in the withdrawal process, and which in so doing maintains at a maximum the section through which the liquid flows in the nose-piece and ensures that, when the liquid stops flowing after it reaches the predetermined level in the neck of the bottle, complete airtightness is achieved between the bottle and the liquid collector supplying the nose-piece, as long as the liquid valve remains open.

The retaining member operates by surface tension of the liquid on its periphery.

Other particularities of the invention will become ap parent from the description which follows, with reference to the accompanying drawings given by way of example only and not in a limiting sense, and which will give a clear understanding of how the invention may be performed. In the drawings:

3,143,151 Patented Aug. 4, 1964 FIG. 1 is an axial section of an isobaric liquid-drawer nose-piece according to the invention, with gas and liquid retaining member operating by surface tension of the still liquid, showing the nose-piece in the closed position.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the relative positions of the liquid valve and the gas and liquid retaining member during the drawing-oil process.

FIG. 3 is a view similar to that in FIG. 2, at the end of the drawing-01f process, when the liquid has reached the desired level in the bottle neck.

FIG. 4 is a top view of the liquid valve of the nose piece shown in FIGS. 1 to 3.

FIGS. 5 to 7 and 8a illustrate the liquid valve and a gas and liquid retaining member according to a second embodiment showing them in the position with the nosepiece closed, in the liquid-drawing position and in the position at the end of drawing-off, respectively.

FIG. 8 is an axial section of an isorbaric liquid-drawer nose-piece with gas and liquid retaining member operating by surface tension of the still liquid, according to a further embodiment and in the closed position of the nose-piece.

FIGS. 9 and 10 are views similar to that in FIG. 8, and illustrate the relative positions of the liquid valve and the gas and liquid retaining member in the drawing-off and end-of-drawing-off positions respectively.

FIG. 11 is an axial section of an isobaric liquid-drawer nose-piece with gas and liquid retaining member operating by surface tension of the still liquid, according to yet a further embodiment, showing the nose-piece in the closed position.

FIG. 12 is a similar view to that in FIG. 11, showing the position occupied by the liquid valve and its associated gas and liquid retaining member during the drawing-01f and end-of-drawing-olf phases.

FIGS. 13 and 14 are similar views to those in FIGS. 11 and 12, showing an isobaric liquid-drawer nose-piece with gas and liquid retaining member operating by surface tension of the still liquid, according to yet a further embodiment of the invention.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 4, the nosepiece comprises a fixed bottom nozzle 1 which becomes flush with the bottle neck when, through elevation of the pedestal supporting the bottle, said pedestal displaces the funnel 2 and slides it along the columns 3 into contact with the body of the nozzle via its seal 4. At its top the nozzle forms a seat 5 for a liquid valve 6 provided with a seal 7. This valve is integral with a nozzle 8 which is equipped with a deflector 9 to ensure flow of the liquid over the walls of the bottle and with an air return port 10.

This valve is likewise integral with a tube 11 carrying a guide-piece and this tube is slidable within the stem 13 of a gas valve 14 whose seal 15 rests on the top of the tube, which forms a valve seat.

- The gas valve is accommodated within a tube 16 which slides over a tubular piece 17 which is secured to the bottom 13 of the collector and which acts as a guide for the part 12. The tube 16 is provided with a circular groove 19 protruding inwardly and with a circular external protrusion 20. A spring 21 for providing total opening is interposed between the protrusion 20 and a seating 22 embodied on the tubular part 17. The latter is provided with a circular groove 23 protruding inwardly with which engages an internal liquid-admission spring 24 whose upper end engages beneath the part 12. The tube 16 is closed by a cap 25 and a spring 26 is secured to this cap to act as a stop for the gas valve 14. A spring 27 is interposed between the gas valve 14 and the sliding guide-piece 12.

The nose-piece embodying the invention dilfers from conventional nose-piece in that the grid usually placed in the nozzle is dispensed with and replaced by a rigid gas and liquid retaining member. This retaining member consists of a conical solid upper portion 29 extended by a cylindrical portion provided with ports 30 to act as guideways for peripheral projections 31 embodied over the body of the liquid valve 6.

The part 28 is integral with a tension spring 31a anchored at 32 on the tube 11 and its sliding travel is limited at one end by the abutment, against the top of the nozzle 1, of its base 33 and, at the other end, by abutment against a stop 34 fixed in any well-known fashion to the tube 11.

The tubular part 17 is provided with a set of ports 35 for passage of the liquid, arranged well above the liquid valve, and with a second set of ports 36 for passage of the liquid, arranged opposite the ports 39 in the part 28 when the latter bears against the nozzle 1.

The arrangement described hereinabove functions in the following manner:

When pressurization of the bottle by raising of gas valve 14 has been accomplished in the known manner, the pressure prevailing in the bottle and transmitted underneath the liquid valve 6 enables spring 24 (the liquidopening calibrated spring) to relax by raising the guidepiece 12, the tube 11 with which the latter is integral and the valve 6 fixed to the tube. Seal 7 of this valve 6 lifts off its seat and the liquid tends then to flow through the ports 35 and 36 while maintaining the gas and liquid retaining member in the position shown in FIG. 2 by the kinetic energy effect of the moving liquid. The liquid penetrates into the nozzle 1 via the ports 30 of retaining member 28 and the passageway between seal 7 and seat 5.

The drawing-off cycle is continued until the liquid reaches, in the bottle neck, the level of port of the nozzle 8, thus cutting oil the air return via said nozzle 8. The flow of liquid is therefore suddenly restrained, and under the action of spring 31a retaining member 28 is urged into contact with the stop 34, which in turn brings the base 33 of said retaining member into contact with the underneath surface of projections 31 (FIG. 3). The liquid seal formed peripherally about this base 33, due to surface tension of the liquid, insures a perfect airtight seal and thus prevents the air trapped in the bottle neck above the level of ports 10 in the nozzle and in the nosepiece beneath the valve 6 from penetrating into the collector. When valve 6 closes again into the position shown in FIG. 1 it moves with it the retaining member 23 which comes to bear against the top of nozzle 1 and at the same time maintains the sealing by the surface tension of the liquid.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 to 7 and 8a the gas and liquid retaining member consists of a rigid conical part 41 fixed in any suitable manner to the tube 11. This part is provided with a set of ports 42 bounded by spokes 44 and a rim 43 which is arranged, when the liquid valve 6 is open, at a level below that of the bottom of the ports 36. Beneath the part 41 is arranged a conical obturating part 45 made of some flexible material such as natural or synthetic rubber or plastic and fixed to supports 46 which pass through the ports 42 and which are suitably shaped at their top for guiding by tube 11. These supports are integral with a tension spring 47. This assembly is arranged above liquid valve 6.

The arrangement described above functions in the following manner:

When the bottle has been pressurized, the pressure prevailing in it and transmitted underneath liquid valve 6 permits automatic opening of that valve as precedingly indicated. Seal 7 lifts off its seat 5 and the liquid tends to fiow through the ports 36. Due to the kinetic energy of the liquid, the conical part 45 is urged against the restraining action of spring 47 until it bears against the raised valve 6 as shown in FIG. 6. The liquid delivered via ports 36 passes through ports 42' of part 41 and flows into nozzle 1 via the passageway provided between seal 7 and seat 5.

As soon as the liquid reaches the level of nozzle port 10 in the bottle neck, so obturating the air return via that nozzle, the discharge of liquid is suddenly restrained. Under the action of spring 47 the part 45 is returned into contact with part 41, thus obturating ports 42 to prevent the passage of the air, a further airtightness being obtained by the liquid seal formed peripherally about the rim 43 of part 41 due to surface tension of the liquid. When valve 6 closes back on to its seat and returns to the position in FIG. 8, the gas and liquid retaining system 41.5 is moved with it and yet continues to ensure airtightness both by obturation of the ports 41 and by the surface tension of the liquid.

In all the various embodiments illustrated and described hitherto, the obturating member is arranged above the liquid valve.

According to a preferred embodiment, the gas and liquid retaining member is arranged beneath the liquid valve. This permits all turbulence in the flow of the liquid upstream of the said valve to be obviated, the retaining member preferably operating by surface tension of the liquid over its periphery, as shown in FIGS. 8 to 14.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 10, the nosepiece comprises a fixed bottom nozzle 48 which is flush With the bottle neck when, through elevation of its supporting pedestal, said bottle has displaced the funnel and brought it in contact with the body of the nozzle. This nozzle is provided with a chamber 49 and is rendered integral in any suitable manner with a part 50 of which the upper potrion forms a seat 51 for a liquid valve consisting of a body section 52 fitted with a seal 53. The said valve body is integral, via its stem 54, with a nozzle 8 and is furthermore integral with a tube 11 which serves to supply the gaseous fluid, the Whole being integral with a control device.

The gas and liquid retaining member consists of a rigid disc 55 slidable over a bearing section 56 provided on the stem 54 of the valve body 52, the said disc having a diameter substantially equal to that of the port 58 of the valve and being normally maintained against a stop 59 provided on the valve body by the thrust of a spring 61 seated at its bottom end on a circlip 61 fitted in an annular groove in the stem 54. In the drawing-01f posiiton, the stop 59 is substantially at the same level as the bottom edge of port 58.

The apparatus described above functions in the following manner:

When the bottle has been pressurized, the pressure prevailing therein and transmitted underneath the liquid valve 52-53 permits automatic opening of the liquid valve as precedingly indicated. Seal 53 lifts otf its seat 51 and the liquid tends to flow between the valve and its seat, the liquid being supplied via the ports 36 in the tubular part 17. Due to the kinetic energy of the liquid, disc 55 is displaced against the restraining action of spring 60, as shown in FIG. 9. The liquid discharged through ports 36 enters the nozzle 48 via the passageway provided between the raised liquid valve 52-53 and the seat thereof.

The drawing-off cycle is then pursued until the liquid reaches the level in the bottle neck of the port in the nozzle, thus obturating the air return via that nozzle. The discharge of liquid is suddently restrained and under the action of spring retaining disc 55 is pulled back into contact with stop 59, thereby causing its top portion to be brought close to the bottom edge of port 58 (FIG. 13). The liquid seal formed peripherally due to surface tension of the liquid about retaining disc 55, between the disc and the bottom edge of port 58, ensures absolute airtightness, thereby preventing the air trapped in the bottle above the level of the hole in the nozzle and in the nose-piece below that disc to penetrate into the feeder tank. When valve 5253 closes back on its seat and returns to the position shown in FIG. 8, the obturator 55 is moved with it.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 the nosepiece comprises a fixed bottom nozzle 62 above which is arranged a part 63 inside which is provided a housing bounded by a wall 64 which is of substantially spherical section and which terminates in a cylindrical flange 65 surrounding the opening 66 which links the part with the nozzle. Nozzle 62 and part 63 are mounted within a tubular part 67 which is secured in any suitable manner to a part 68 in which is embodied a seat 69 for the liquid valve and, beneath that seat, a housing bounded by a conical wall 70. The liquid valve consists of a body 71 provided with a seal 72. It is integral with a nozzle 8 and with a tube 11 which serves to supply gaseous fluid. This assembly is in turn integral with a control device.

The gas and liquid retaining member consists of a hollow conical part 73 mounted on the nozzle and retained thereon by an elastic ring 74 of the type known as a circlip. The said retaining member 73 has its larger base directed downwardly and bounded by a vertical cylindrical flange 75.

The device described above functions in the following manner:

When the bottle has been pressurized, the pressure prevailing therein and transmitted beneath liquid valve 71- 72 permits automatic opening of that valve, as precedingly indicated. Seal 72 lifts off its seat 69 and the valve rises until its fins 76 abut against a shoulder 77 embodied in the part 17 (FIG. 12). The liquid tends to flow between the valve and its seat, being supplied via ports 36 provided in the tubular part 17, then about the retaining member which has been raised together with the valve, and finally into nozzle 62.

The drawing-off cycle is continued until the liquid reaches the level in the bottle neck corresponding to that of the port in the nozzle, thus obturating the air return via that nozzle. The discharge of liquid is suddenly restrained and the stream of liquid broken off by the effect of the two steps formed by the flanges 65 and 75. The liquid seal formed peripherally about the retaining member due to surface tension of the liquid provides absolute airtightness, thereby preventing the air trapped in the bottle neck, above the level of the hole in the nozzle and in the nose-piece above the said obturating member from penetrating into the feeder tank. When valve 71-72 closes back on its seat and returns into the position shown in FIG. 11, the retaining member is displaced with it.

' In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 14 a fixed bottom nozzle 78 is provided with a chamber 79 comprising an upper portion bounded by a cylindrical wall 80 and a lower portion bounded by a conical wall 81. This nozzle is rendered integral in any suitable manner with a part 82 of which the top forms a seat 83 for the liquid'valve and the bottom a cylindrical cavity 84 having a diameter greater than the minimum diameter of seat 83 and less than the diameter of the cylindrical wall 80. The liquid-valve consists of a body 85 provided with stroke limiting fins 86 and a seal 87. This valve body is rendered integral via its stem 88 with a nozzle 8 and furthermore carries a tube 11 which serves to supply gaseous fluid, the whole assembly being in turn integral with a control device. The stem 88 of the valve body is machined externally to the shape of a hyperboloid of revolution 89 of which the top edge is substantially flush, on closure of the valve, with the top face of cylindrical cavity 84. This stern acts as a gas and liquid retaining member and is furthermore provided over its bottom face 90 with a central conical recess 91 surrounding the nozzle.

The device described above functions in the following manner: When the bottle has been pressurized, the pressure prevailing therein and transmitted under the liquid valve 85, 87 provides for automatic opening of that valve and shifts it from the position in FIG. 13 to that in FIG. 14, as precedingly indicated. Seal 87 lifts off its seat 83 and the liquid tends to flow between the valve and its seat, being supplied via ports 36 in the tubular part 17. The liquid penetrates into the nozzle 78 via passageways provided between the raised liquid valve 535437 and its seatand also between stem 88 and the walls of parts 82 and 78.

The drawing cycle is pursued until the liquid reaches the level in the bottle neck corresponding to that of the port in the nozzle, thereby obturating the air return via the nozzle. The discharge of liquid is suddently restrained and the stream of liquid is broken up by the effect of the two steps formed by cavities and 84 and the hyperboloid surface 89. The liquid seal formed peripherally about stem 88, due to surface tension of the liquid between the bottom edge thereof and the step separating the cavities 80 and 84, at the level of which step said bottom edge is substantially located, ensures absolute airtightness, thereby preventing the air, trapped in the bottle neck above the level of the hole in the nozzle and in the nosepiece below said obturating stem from penetrating into the feeder tank. The conical cavity 591 ensures that the liquid/air exchange process is stopped over time. It is noteworthy that the nose-piece executed according to FIGS. 13 and 14 will provide for correct operation in the drawing of pulpy or viscous liquids and that it is easy to dismantle, particularly for the purpose of cleaning the nose-piece.

It is to be clearly understood that the embodiments of the invention illustrated and described hereinabove are susceptible of changes in form and detail without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a nose-piece for isobaric liquid-drawers used for filling receivers with a liquid from a source of liquid and of the type have a conventional liquid valve within the nose-piece body and a conventional gas nozzle with ports for charging the receivers with gas, exhausting the gas from the receiver during the filling operation thereof and limiting the liquid level in said receivers, the improvement comprising: a displaceable rigid gas and liquid retaining device in the nose-piece body and defining an annular passage therebetween in all positions of said device, and means for displacing said retaining device upon opening of the liquid valve to a position in said nose-piece body in which the annular passage is a maximum, whereby the liquid flows without loss of charge through said annular passage with said liquid valve open to fill said receiver to a level determined by the gas nozzle ports, said rigid gas and liquid retaining device upon cessation of the flow of liquid and while said liquid valve remains open, cooperating with the nose-piece body to effect a seal therebetween which is formed due to surface tension of the liquid which retains the liquid in the nose-piece body, entraps the gas remaining above the liquid within the filled receiver and prevents the flow of said gas to the source of liquid.

2. In a nose-piece for isobaric liquid-drawers used for filling receivers with a liquid from a source of liquid and of the type having a conventional liquid valve within the nose-piece body, the improvement comprising: a displaceable rigid gas and liquid retaining deviceinthe nosepiece body and defining an annular passage therebetween in all positions of said device in said nose-piece body, means for displacing said device upon opening of the liquid valve to a position in which the sectional area of the passage for the liquid through said nose-piece body is a maximum, and means for displacing said retaining device, upon filling of the receiver and stopping of the liquid flow through the nose-piece body while the liquid valve remains open towards a position in which the device and the nose-piece body effect a seal which is formed due to surface tension of said liquid for retaining the liquid in the nose-piece-body, entrapping the gas remaining above the liquid within the filled receiver and preventing the flow thereof to said source.

3. A nose-piece according to claim 2, wherein the gas anld liquid retaining member is located above the liquid va ve.

4. In a nose-piece for isobaric liquid-drawers of the type having a nose-piece body and having a central movable tube within the nose-piece body for charging a receiver with gas and exhausting the gas from the receiver during the filling operation thereof, the nose piece further having a liquid valve on said tube for controlling liquid flow through the nose-piece body and a nozzle on said nose-piece body and adapted to engage the receiver for charging the same with a liquid, said nose-piece body being provided with ports, the liquid flowing from a liquid source through the ports of said nose-piece body to said nozzle and the receiver, the improvement comprising: a displaceable rigid gas and liquid retaining device in the nose-piece body and defining an annular passage therebetween in all positions of said device in the nose-piece body, said device moving in response to the flow of liquid through the nose-piece body to a first position in which the sectional area of passage of the liquid through said nose-piece body is maintained at a maximum, and means for displacing said gas and liquid retaining device upon filling of the receiver with the liquid and stopping of the liquid flow through the nosepiece body with the liquid valve remaining open, to a second position in which between the nose-piece body and said device is effected a liquid seal which is formed due to surface tension of the liquid for retaining the liquid in the nose-piece body, for entrapping the gas remaining above the liquid within the filled receiver, and for preventing the flow of gas to said liquid source.

5. A nose-piece according to claim 4, wherein the liquid valve includes radial projections, and the gas tube is provided with a shoulder above said liquid valve and constituting a stop, the gas and liquid retaining device comprising a rigid hollow part slidably mounted on said gas tube between said liquid valve and said shoulder, said part engaging said shoulder with said liquid valve closed, 7

said part including a conical top portion and a downwardly directed cylindrical portion extending therefrom, the cylindrical portion guiding the movement of said part within said nose-piece body and defining the annular passage with said body, said cylindrical portion having vertical apertures, said projections being in said apertures for guiding said liquid valve, said cylindrical portion being urged against the nozzle under the action of the liquid flow upon opening of the liquid valve, and a return spring interconnecting said stop and said hollow part, said apertures being adjacent the ports of the nose-piece body with said hollow part bearing against the nozzle.

6. A nose-piece according to claim 4, wherein the gas and liquid retaining device comprises a rigid conical part provided with apertures and secured on the gas tube, the conical part being divergent downwardly, said conical part having a larger base, a downwardly projecting rim on said larger base and defining the annular passage with the nose-piece body, said rim being below the ports of said body with the liquid valve opened, member's traversing said apertures, a bottom conical seal of flexible material and supported by said members beneath said rigid conical part, and a return spring engaging said members.

7. A nose-piece according to claim 4, wherein the liquid valve comprises a downwardly directed stem and means constituting a stop on said stem, said valve including a cooperating seat having a lower cylindrical portion, said stop being at substantially the same level as said portion with the liquid valve opened, the nozzle being provided with a cylindrical chamber communicating with said cylindrical portion and having a diameter greater than that of said cylindrical portion, the gas and liquid retaining device comprising a rigid disc having a diameter substantially equal to that of said cylindrical portion and slidably mounted within said chamber on said stern, and a spring secured to said stem and said disc for urging the disc axially of said stem towards said stop, said obturating member assuming the position in which the device and the nose-piece body effect a seal with the disc abutting the stop and the liquid valve in the open position.

8. A nose-piece according to claim 2, wherein the gas and liquid retaining member is located beneath the liquid valve.

9. In a nose-piece for isobaric liquid-drawers of the type having a nose-piece body and having a central movable tube within the nose-piece body for charging a receiver with gas and exhausting the gas from the receiver during the filling operation thereof, the nose-piece further having a liquid valve on said tube for controlling liquid flow through the nose-piece body and a nozzle on said nose-piece body and adapted to engage the receiver for charging the same with a liquid, said nose-piece body being provided with ports, the liquid flowing from a liquid source through the ports of said nose-piece body to said nozzle and the receiver, the improvement comprising: means defining a chamber between the liquid valve and the nozzle and including a step, and a rigid gas and liquid retaining member connected to said liquid valve and defining with said step, with said valve in open position, an annular passage for allowing a liquid flow without loss of charge and for effecting a seal therebetween, upon filling of the receiver with liquid and stopping of the flow of liquid thereto while the liquid valve remains open, said seal being formed due to surface tension of the liquid for retaining the liquid in the nose-piece-body and entrapping the gas remaining above the liquid within the filled receiver and preventing the flow of gas to said liquid source.

10. A nose-piece according to claim 9, comprising a valve seat for said liquid valve, a part between the valve seat and the nozzle and defining a concave spherical opening, an upwardly cylindrical flange on said part and adjacent the nozzle, the valve seat defining a chamber having a conical wall which is divergent downwardly and has a larger base which opens in the concave spherical opening, the gas and liquid retaining member comprising a rigid hollow conical member secured on the gas tube and beneath the liquid valve, the conical member having a larger base directed downwardly, a vertical downwardly directed cylindrical flange on said conical member which surrounds the cylindrical flange on said part with the valve in closed position, said cylindical flanges defining the annular passage with said valve in open position.

11. A nose-piece according to claim 9, wherein the nozzle defines an upper cylindrical portion and a lower conical portion extending therefrom, a conical valve seat above said nozzle, said valve seat having a shoulder therein having a diameter greater than the minimum diameter of the seat and less than that of said cylindrical portion, the liquid valve comprising a downwardly directed stem constituting said gas and liquid retaining member, said stem being substantially a hyperboloid of revolution and having a top edge which is substantially level with the top of said shoulder with the valve in closed position, said stem having a lower edge which is substantially level with the bottom of said cylindrical portion of said nozzle with the valve in open position and defining the annular passage, said stem having a lower face which is provided with a central conical recess surrounding the gas tube.

12. A nose piece for isobaric liquid drawers for filling a container with a liquid from a source of liquid and said nose piece comprising: a nose body member adapted for charging the liquid to the container, a liquid valve member in said nose body member and movable therein between first and second positions, the valve member in one of the positions being in sealing engagement with said nose body member to prevent a flow of liquid in the nose body member, and in the other of said positions defining ing means comprising a rigid member movable in said nose body member and defining a passageway therewith in all positions of the rigid member in the nose body member, the rigid member cooperating with the nose body member to etfect, upon filling of the receiver with liquid and stopping of the liquid flow through the nose body member with the valve member remaining in said other position, a seal which is formed due to surface tension of the liquid for retaining the liquid in the nose body member and to prevent the flow of the gas remaining above the liquid within the filled receiver to the source of liquid.

13. Apparatus for charging a container with a liquid from a liquid source to a predetermined level in the container, the container having a gas therein which is displaced by the liquid as it fills the same, the apparatus further preventing the gas from passing from the container to said source upon completion of the charging of the container, said apparatus comprising: means defining a passage between said container and said source, valve means in said passage and adapted for selectively closing the same to control the flow of liquid from said source to said container and rigid gas and liquid retaining means in said passage and movable therein, the gas and liquid retaining means closing only a portion of said passage with the liquid at said predetermined level in the container, upon cessation of the liquid flow through said passage with the valve means remaining open, and effecting between said passage and said gas and liquid retaining means a seal which is formed due to surface tension of the liquid for retaining the liquid in said passage and preventing the gas remaining above the liquid within the filled container from passing from the container to the source of liquid.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,399,300 Stewart et a1 Apr. 30, 1946 2,676,742 Day et a1 Apr. 27, 1954 2,758,768 Payne Aug. 14, 1956 3,018,804 Granier Jan. 30, 1962 

1. IN A NOSE-PIECE FOR ISOBARIC LIQUID-DRAWERS USED FOR FILLING RECEIVERS WITH A LIQUID FROM A SOURCE OF LIQUID AND OF THE TYPE HAVE A CONVENTIONAL LIQUID VALVE WITHIN THE NOSE-PIECE BODY AND A CONVENTIONAL GAS NOZZLE WITH PORTS FOR CHARGING THE RECEIVERS WITH GAS, EXHAUSTING THE GAS FROM THE RECEIVER DURING THE FILLING OPERATION THEREOF AND LIMITING THE LIQUID LEVEL IN SAID RECEIVERS, THE IMPROVEMENT COMPRISING: A DISPLACEABLE RIGID GAS AND LIQUID RETAINING DEVICE IN THE NOSE-PIECE BODY AND DEFINING AN ANNULAR PASSAGE THEREBETWEEN IN ALL POSITIONS OF SAID DEVICE, AND MEANS FOR DISPLACING SAID RETAINING DEVICE UPON OPENING OF THE LIQUID VALVE TO A POSITION IN SAID NOSE-PIECE BODY IN WHICH THE ANNULAR PASSAGE IS A MAXIMUM, WHEREBY THE LIQUID FLOWS WITHOUT LOSS OF CHARGE THROUGH SAID ANNULAR PASSAGE WITH SAID LIQUID VALVE OPEN TO FILL SAID RECEIVER TO A LEVEL DETERMINED BY THE GAS NOZZLE PORTS, SAID RIGID GAS AND LIQUID RETAINING DEVICE UPON CESSATION OF THE FLOW OF LIQUID AND WHILE SAID LIQUID VALVE REMAINS OPEN, COOPERATING WITH THE NOSE-PIECE BODY TO EFFECT A SEAL THEREBETWEEN WHICH IS FORMED DUE TO SURFACE TENSION OF THE LIQUID WHICH RETAINS THE LIQUID IN THE NOSE-PIECE BODY, ENTRAPS THE GAS REMAINING ABOVE THE LIQUID WITHIN THE FILLED RECEIVER AND PREVENTS THE FLOW OF SAID GAS TO THE SOURCE OF LIQUID. 